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The Free Radical Process

After long periods of chronic inflammation, tissue changes occur that are exacerbated by free radical damage.

The production of radical oxygen is the most common radical in the body, which occurs mostly within the energy-producing structures of the cell (Mitochondria).

What is a Free radical?

A free radical occurs as a result of electron imbalance. Normally, the nucleus of an atom (in this case, oxygen) is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. These electrons surround the nucleus in pairs, but occasionally, an atom loses an electron, leaving the atom with an unpaired electron. The atom is then called a "free radical," and is very reactive.

When cells in the body encounter a radical, the reactive radical may cause destruction in the cell. The primary site of radical oxygen damage is the DNA itself. Every cell contains an enormous set of molecules called DNA which provide chemical instructions for a cell to function. These DNA mutations change the blueprint for normal physiological function and/or cause cell death.

The free radical process increases with the age. Chronic inflammation only adds to the free radical damage. The good news is that f you have a healthy immune system, the white blood cells that fight cancer (NK Cells or natural killer cells) can recognize and destroy precancerous cells before they get out of control. On any given day we have over 300 mutations that become precancerous. And as long as the immune system is nourished and functioning properly, there is no cause for alarm. However, with inflammation and/or age eventually the number of precancerous cells is more likely to exceed the capability of the immune system and cancer is likely to manifest itself.